The Association Agreement that Moldova signed with the European Union is now an obstacle to becoming a full-fledged member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), Tatiana Valovaya, Member of the Board (Minister) for Eurasian Economic Commission Principal Areas of Integration and Macroeconomics, stated in the program “Key issue” on NTV Moldova channel, IPN reports.

According to her, Moldova is a party to the Free Trade Area and cannot adopt by itself decisions to modify the customs duties. “Furthermore, even the system of technical regulations that is gradually implemented in Moldova is of the European Union and this is an impediment that hampers the obtaining of the status full-fledged member of the Eurasian Economic Union,” stated Tatiana Valovaya.

The minister noted that the Association Agreement with the EU is not a hindrance for Moldova to act as an observer or to have a good dialogue with the EEU. The status of observer at the EEU could stimulate the growth of investments in Moldova. “The obtaining of the status of observer and the contacts established in the process make our entrepreneurs think about Moldova as about a potential market and see its economic advantages,” she said.

Tatiana Valovaya also said that the year 2017 is a turning point in the relations between the EEU and Moldova. The EEU is very interested in having a dialogue with the Government of Moldova, but the representatives of the government refuse to take part in common activities.

Tatiana Volovaya came to Moldova to take part in the second meeting of the joint working group for cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Commission and the Republic of Moldova, which was held on November 29.